Jobs for Girls with Artistic Flair

by June Gervais

An uplifting, feminist coming-of-age love story about a young woman who dreams of becoming a tattoo artist, and living life on her own terms

Introvert Gina Mulley is determined to become a tattoo artist, and to find somewhere she belongs in her conventional Long Island town. But this is 1985, when tattooing is still a gritty, male-dominated fringe culture, and Gina's funky flash is not exactly mainstream tattoo fare. The good news is that her older brother Dominic owns a tattoo shop, and he reluctantly agrees to train her.

Gina has a year to prove herself, but her world is turned upside down when a mysterious psychic and his striking assistant, Anna, arrive on the scene. With Anna's help, Gina recognizes that the only way she has a shot at becoming a professional tattoo artist is to stand up for herself, and embrace her quirkiness both in her art and her life.

When Gina and Anna fall in love, Dominic gives Gina an ultimatum. She's faced with an impossible choice: Is the romance and newfound independence she's found worth sacrificing her dreams? Or can she find a way to have it all?

Genres: Fiction, LGBT, Romance, Queer, Historical Fiction, Historical, Coming Of Age

384 pages, Hardcover

First published June 21, 2022

Reviews

[Clare Pooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this novel. It’s a story about being an awkward, misfit girl with big dreams in a man’s world. It made me laugh out loud, punch the air in delight, and it made me really, really want a tattoo.

[Creya Casale | cc.shelflove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Pamela Dorman Books for providing a physical copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

As Gina watched him take the transfer out of the hectograph machine, it came to her: this was the blueprint of a thing she would wear for the rest of her life.

If you’ve ever gotten a tattoo, you know that feeling. This was a well written debut! Set in 1985, we aren’t provided with any Wham!-esque nostalgia, but this book doesn’t need it. The major elements of the ‘80s in our story are that tattooing is still illegal in places like New York City, and you certainly will not find a woman in a tattoo shop… except for Gina. Recently graduated from high school, nothing on her “jobs for girls with artistic flair” list seems to fit aside from becoming a tattoo artist. Can she nail an apprenticeship and make it big in this new cutthroat, male-dominated world?

One of my favorite parts of this book involved a woman getting a tattoo of a peacock to cover up her mastectomy scar. This promoted the overall theme of getting tattoos because they make us feel courageous, bold, and beautiful. This book is also LGBTQIA+ friendly as Gina begins to fall in love with a woman—another “taboo” of the ‘80s. I enjoyed this coming of age story and I will definitely read Gervais’s next book!

If you enjoyed this novel, check out When We Were Vikings.

[Margarita Montimore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A colorful coming of age story brimming with gorgeous prose and vibrant misfits, and a fascinating glimpse into the world of tattooing in the 1980s. This novel is for anyone who's ever searched for their place in the world or fought for their dreams—in other words, everyone.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite quote from the book:

"A tattoo wasn't just a decal on your body. It was something invisible made visible. A truth you'd kept to yourself that you were finally willing to have in the open, to be seen."

I loved this story so much!! The journey of growth and self discovery from the main character, Gina, was so beautiful. I wish I could read this again for the very first time!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe I haven't seen more reviews for this incredible debut book! Set in 1985 New York, I REALLY enjoyed getting know Gina, a young, queer aspiring tattoo artist who has a year to convince her brother Dominic to give her a chance working full-time in his tattoo parlor.

Quirky and still trying to figure herself out, Gina isn't afraid to fight for what she wants both in life and love. Attracted to Anna, a psychic's assistant, the two women strike up a heartwarming friendship and try to navigate their blossoming love in a world that is still very much homophobic.

Highly recommended if you enjoy a heartfelt coming of age story, complicated families, 1980s New York and rooting for a strong and memorable female lead. Great on audio too narrated by Jesse Vilinsky. I cannot wait to see what's next from this wonderful new writer!

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was unpacking the bin of new books at the library and the spine label of this book caught my eye. I picked it up and read the blurb and thanked my precious book gaydar. (Though reading the book blurb now, I would say it makes the book sound more dramatic and fast paced than it actually is. Which is not a problem for me, of course.)

I read the entire book without looking it up first to see ratings/reviews. That was a fun exercise in restraint to not immediately add it to my currently-reading shelf on goodreads!

This turned out to be a compelling read. I love a good coming of age novel. Especially one that happens to be queer, but has the focus elsewhere rather than about the stress of being gay. (Those books, of course, have their value and their place.) Gina was a definitely a character I was rooting for. I enjoyed my time reading her story and watching her grow. I also feel like I learned a lot about tattooing!

[Geonn Cannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've sat here for a few minutes trying to decide how I feel about this book, and I don't think I really have much of an opinion other than "it was fine." Solid story, good writing, excellent narration on the audiobook. I liked Gina as a character (the assholes in her orbit, not so much). So yeah, it's fine, but not exactly remarkable in either direction. I'll definitely give the author another look with future releases, though.

I think the problem is I inadvertently read two coming-of-age lesbian stories back to back. I'm generally not a fan of those, so naturally they landed a little worse for me.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven’t ever read or heard much about tattoo artists in the 1980s, especially women artists, so that was cool. However, I found the pacing of the story a bit off - too slow in the first part and then a rush through a series of events without much story arc in the second half. I also found some weird loose ends left like some wildly unsafe tattooing practices in one scene that just kind of get left hanging and not discussed. I thought there were some interesting content pieces but was a bit underwhelmed by the writing and editing.

[The Lit Bitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book appealed to me for one big reason—the main character wanted to be a tattoo artist! I loved that plot point and I was eager to read it simply for that! I have two full tattoo sleeves and tattoo culture has changed SO MUCH since I got my first tattoo. When I was 18 (1999 ish) I was sure no one would hire me with a visible tattoo so I got a tiny one on my shoulder, flash forward 20 years and here I am with a professional job and full sleeve tattoos and PLENTY of other visible ones too.

I love tattoos and the tattoo culture and I thought it would be so exciting to have a book written about a character who wants to be a tattoo artist—especially a female tattoo artist! Plus the book is set in the 1980s which would no doubt be a difficult time for a female tattoo artist to enter the field. I was so excited to see how the story would unfold and what fun bits of counter culture would be included in it!

I also loved that this book featured an LGBTQ plot. I know this isn’t for everyone but I thought it would be fun to read an LGBTQ book for Pride month even if I am straight etc I love broadening my horizons and reading tastes and trying something new and modern! I personally felt like this book was more coming of age story than LGBTQ romance centered but it did have a bit of both but I felt the coming of age part was the solid focus of the story over all. If you love coming of age stories and want something a little different I think this would be a wonderful reading option for you!

I really liked the general feel of this book. It has this great nostalgic/vintage vibe mixed with the misfit-ness of the 1980s tattoo counter culture. It was a very fun way to explore a time in our not so recent past and dig a little into the social aspects of our society. I thought this was where the novel shined. The author did a wonderful job developing the time period, plot, and climate of the novel and I really felt like I was living in that time period and experiencing some of what Gina was up against in the tattooing world and just society in general.

I enjoyed Gina as a main character. She has grit, determination, but also this innocents about her that I really enjoyed and felt connected to. The problem I had was all the characters around her. I didn’t care for her brother for example and while Gina was a solid main character the people around her just weren’t (except Rick, Rick was great!). I had a hard time reading how other characters treated Gina which made me admire her tenacity but also question why she let some of these people into her life in the first place.

Normally this wouldn’t be a book that I picked up to read. I prefer historical fiction and it’s subgenres along with a good old fashion dose of murder—-reading coming of age books generally isn’t my go to genre. Plus this book is set in a time period that I grew up in so generally I tend to pass on books like that since it always feels a little too close to home and serves as a reminder of my age, meaning I want to read to escape, not to relive my childhood memories. But there was just something about this book that called to me and made me want to read it. I am glad I did as it’s a great read that was surprising for me. I wasn’t expecting to be drawn into this one in the way that I was. Even though I didn’t have anything in common with the main character (beyhond a love for tattoos), I still felt a connection and investment in her character and story. If you are looking for something a little off the beaten path that is solid and fulfilling, I think this one would be a great option for you! At the very least it’s deserves a spot on your TBR list!

[bookthingswithbrit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so happy I picked this up! I read this masterpiece in less than 24 hours.

I cannot believe how much Gina looks up to her brother. He’s honestly a coward and a straight up asshole. Every comment he would make to her was basically screaming “you aren’t good enough” and it was infuriating. However, the characters felt real and i appreciated that.

And what can I say about Rick? He was my favorite fricken character and I’m so glad Gina had him in her life. I need my own Rick, honestly.

If you are in the mood for sapphic, gritty, artistic, dramatic, tattoo shop vibes I highly suggest this 🌹

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this debut novel by June Gervais! Such a heartwarming (at times heartbreaking), unique, coming of age story about a female trying to break ground as a tattoo artist. This book had all the different feels at all the right times. I also learned a bit about tattooing which was fun. Thanks for a great read!!!

[MK · Rating 4 out of 5]

essential reading for tattooed sapphics from the new york metro area

[Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels like this book was made for me. I can relate to Gina in so many ways - her fear of the unknown, her indecision, her feelings holding her back. Plus, lowkey wanting to be a tattoo artist. Reading this book at a transition time in my life, like Gina graduating high school, hit a little hard at points. Seems like we're all just figuring things out as we go.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is kind of the perfect definition of a three star book for me: there's nothing wrong with the characters, story, or plot in particular, but there's also nothing extremely unique or memorable about any of those facets of the book (except for the fact that I now regret not calling a new artist to schedule a September tattoo appointment). Gloria's character is relatable but predictable in a 'protagonist of coming of age novel about lonely young girl feeling lost and questioning her identity' kind of way. June Gervais' writing and plotting reminds me a lot of Kelly Quindlen's Late to the Party and maybe it's because I relate to Cody and her experiences far more than I relate to Gloria's young adulthood, but Jobs for Girls with Artistic Flair just didn't hit the same. Because this is an adult novel, not YA, the themes in Gervais' book are darker and the social commentary is more present and intricately woven into the story, but at the end of the day, the book didn't quite hit like an adult literary fiction typically does when it comes to explorations of trauma and familial struggle, two aspects of this story that I think could have and should have been more present and explored in Gloria's character. A lot of really hard topics are approached then promptly slid away from making really horrible, awful experiences lack the weight for the reader that Gloria feels upon her own shoulders after these situations happen. (trigger warnings for sexual assault, manipulation, and abuse)

One thing that I think Jobs for Girls with Artistic Flair did really well though is showcase the ways that putting all of our needs for support, comfort, and safety upon a single person can backfire when that person acts, well, human and ultimately lets us down. Gloria and her brother Dominic's relationship was by far the most dynamic part of the story and I think the author did a really good job showing how Gloria's esteem of her brother degraded over time as she realizes just how flawed his 'protection' of her has been in the past and how he threatens to further let her down in the future. I like that this relationship shows cracks and that Gloria learns to see support systems in the forms of other people around her. Even though part of that need for support does fall onto Gloria's new love interest Anna's shoulders, Gloria never feels dependent upon her or their relationship which I appreciate. (Also, on that note, the ending–especially the part with their relationship–was really well done). Even though I'm far more interested in the life of a tattoo apprentice than a diner worker by day, aspiring activist by night, I think Anna's perspective in this book would have been a bit more interesting than Gina's, but I might just be a little burnt out with the artistic, smart, yet socially awkward and doesn't know her own potential protagonist trope.

At the end of the day, I'm not bummed I read this, but it's definitely not a new favorite and I don't think it'll stick in my memory for very long now that it's finished. If you like coming of age stories, you'll probably enjoy this and I think it could make one hell of an indie film, but June Gervais' writing didn't quite do it for me this time.

[Colette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this coming of age story. As a 40 something, native of “blue claw” area Long Island, this story filled me with smile inducing nostalgia. It transported me to a time without the all consuming device in your pocket. Those moments on the benches, in bedrooms, in the sand, in cars listening to the radio, where you wondered what was going to come in the next year and the endless possibilities it held. The characters were endearing, unique and well developed. This novel is sticking with me.
Sign me up for the next one.

[Margaret L. Hedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

I loved Jobs for Girls with Artistic Flair. WOW! There’s a little bit of something for everyone in this novel. Questioning your family loyalty? Questioning a future job and it’s ramifications on your life? Questioning your sexual relationships? I loved every page of this book.

[Tara Cignarella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jobs for Girls with Artistic Flair by June Gervais
Writing: B-
Story: C
Characters: B-
Setting: B-
Best Aspect: Fun reading about real life events in a fiction book.
Worst Aspect: There was just too much filler, a better edit to take out the fluff would have made this an enjoyable read.
Recommend: No.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A tattoo wasn’t just a decal on your body. It was something invisible made visible. A truth you’d kept to yourself that you were finally willing to have in the open, to be seen.”

[Tyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️

Okay, just by reading the synopsis I knew I would like this book but I think it might be one of my favourite reads of 2025 so far. The concept itself feels original— personally, I haven’t read any other books that follow a young woman who becomes a tattoo apprentice and falls in love with another charming woman— so that’s an excellent start, but the characters are likeable yet flawed enough to feel real (and real irritating at times, but that’s people for you) and it just feels like reading the diary of this tattoo apprentice. It’s not in the format of a journal or anything, the author just did such a good job with the characters that it feels so personal and real.

Another thing is you can tell how much research Gervais put into this book. She shares all of the sources in the back, but even before looking at that you can just tell how well-informed, passionate, and knowledgeable she is on the topic. It’s always so appreciated when research isn’t half-assed.

I love the romance in this novel. It’s not quite slow-burn but slow enough that it leaves you wanting more and rooting for them. I also love that there’s no actual labels used between the couple (others calling them slurs aside), in that they never label themselves as lesbians or bi or pan having slept with both men and women. I love the complicated relationship between blood relatives and how as those bonds muddy, found family bonds strengthen.

Ugh. I just love this book. I’m going to recommend it to everyone I know.

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

A cutie little book! The story is very sweet and I liked how it all wrapped up :’) if this was adapted into a movie it would be incredible

The pacing and editing was a bit off for me. Not a lot happens in the first half or so, and then so much plot happens in the second half and I feel like there wasn’t enough time and detail dedicated to each thing. If the edited was scootched a bit, I would’ve liked it more

ALSO I wish they would have focused more on Gina and Anna's relationship and less on their very present male exes who keep showing up in the plot :/ the book touts itself as a queer romance, but then I feel like the writing about their relationship and how being queer in the 80's is very surface level and leaves a lot to be desired.

[☆ alex ☆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jobs for Girls with Artistic Flair is a fun novel about a young woman trying to become a tattoo artist in the '80s. I love tattoos and tattoo culture, so it was really interesting to read a novel about this topic. I think Gervais did a wonderful job describing how difficult it is for women, queer people, and people of color to become respected in the tattoo industry. While the opening of this novel was really light-hearted for the most part, it becomes extremely emotional really quickly, so definitely check the trigger warnings for this one. Ultimately, if the tattoo industry is something that interests you, I think you will have a really good time with this novel.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this would have a lot of YA crossover appeal... Full disclosure: I am so boring I won't even wear nail polish. So I admit I don't get it about tattoos. This is set in Long Island in 1985-86, and the main character is the socially-awkward Gina, who loves to draw more than anything and wants to join her elder brother in his tattoo business. Gina has just graduated from high school and turned eighteen, and is discovering that the world of tattooing is very, very male and very, very unwelcome to aspiring women tattoo artists. Gina meets new people, falls in love, and works tirelessly to come up with ways to follow her tattooing dreams. In spite of not getting it about tattoos, I enjoyed this a lot.

[Gabrielle S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to think when I started this because I had DNFed three of my library books so I was not on a good streak. But this kept my attention. Gina really was able to come into her own and bloom.

[Ann Strickler · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars. Coming of age story set on Long Island in the world of tattooing. Several/many? readers will relate! The protagonist "holds fast," for the most part, in becoming herself. Would have liked more resolution with the mother and Dominic's life...another novel (or two)?

[stxrshipper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily the cutesy book i’ve read😫

[Parker Piccolo Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

needed to read a good figuring your life out book. this did that for me.

[Arianna Cozza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gay so automatically good (the tattooing got to be a little much but now I know all about tattoos so that’s cool)

[drew · Rating 2 out of 5]

somewhere in a 2.5 range but i had to round down bc these characters were so insufferable actually

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic debut novel! Coming of age, tattoos, drawings of tattoos, first love, tarot cards, awkward person finds a friend, siblings, family issues, and Rick. I loved Rick! I hope Gervais writes again. I'd be curious to see what she does next.

[Jessie McMains · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book so much. I fell in love with half the characters, adored the descriptions of Blue Claw itself, and it made me weep several times—it has been a long time since I’ve connected so strongly with a novel.